Special Envoy Jessica Stern is set to visit Italy and Poland from October 4 to 11. The trip aims to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.

From October 4 to 6, Stern will be part of the U.S. delegation at the G7 Ministerial meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Matera. The delegation is led by Katrina Fotovat, Principal Deputy of the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues. During this time, bilateral discussions with G7 members are planned alongside the Ministerial meetings. Stern will then proceed to Rome for meetings with Italian government officials, legislators, and civil society members.

On October 8, Stern's itinerary includes participation in the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference (WHDC) hosted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. She will deliver a plenary intervention on racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and intolerance. Additionally, she will moderate a side-event focusing on LGBTQI+ inclusion and democratic resilience. Bilateral conversations with participating states and civil society organizations are also scheduled during her stay in Warsaw.

In Poland, Stern plans to meet with government officials and representatives from civil society organizations dedicated to promoting equality for LGBTQI+ persons.

For more information about Special Envoy Stern's activities, follow her on X at @US_SE_LGBTQI or contact DRLPressRequests@state.gov.